Rolls-Royce developing new convertible

Development of Wraith Coupé-based new ‘open top touring’ model is announced, and it will arrive in mid-2016. New luxury Rolls-Royce will be the brand’s second convertible after the Phantom Drophead Coupe and it will offer a perfect marriage of style and elegance.

“We are currently developing an exciting and thoroughly contemporary interpretation of a pinnacle drophead tourer which will introduce even more discerning men and women to Rolls-Royce ownership,” said Rolls-Royce CEO, Torsten Müller-Ötvös.

The car is already in an advanced prototype stage, meaning that it will be ready to make its first public appearance at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2015. While the company isn’t offering many clues as to what exactly the new model will offer, there is very little doubt that the new car will be a convertible version of the two-door Wraith coupé. If it is a drophead Wraith, then it will very likely include the 623 bhp (458 kW) 6.6-liter twin-turbo V8 engine pumping 590 ft-lb (800 Nm) of torque and its top speed will probably be limited, as is the Coupé, to 155 mph (249 km/h).

Key details about the ultra-luxury convertible, such as U.S. launch timing and pricing, are not available at this point, but I expect that the price will be higher than £250,000 (US$422,000). Rolls Royce has already sold 1,968 cars this year, up 33.4 per cent year-on-year according to its latest accounts. This will be just another luxury drop in perfect collection of one of the most exclusive and elusive brands in the automotive industry.

“The car will build on the success of (the Rolls-Royce) Phantom, Ghost and Wraith by continuing to boldly shape the future of the marque with contemporary, graceful and sensuous styling,” the automaker said. “It will deliver effortless, open-top touring through the perfect marriage of modern Rolls-Royce luxury, style and elegance with an engaging and exhilarating driving experience.”